Throw a Float
From poolside, swimmers throw a float to a partner in the water, who grabs it and kicks back – rescue without getting in.
- Stages
- Stage 3, Stage 4
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Back Kick, Water Safety
- Equipment
- Float
- Age
- 6–99 years
- Group size
- 2–12 swimmers
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2, Recap / Safe Exit
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Use soft floats only.
- Rescuers stay kneeling – never lean over the water.
What it develops
- Use simple water safety skills
- Know how to stay safe and help others safely
How to run it
- Pairs: one on poolside (kneeling), one in the water a few metres away.
- The rescuer calls to the swimmer, then throws a float underarm so it lands within reach.
- The swimmer grabs it, lies back and kicks to the side.
- Swap roles. Discuss what else could be thrown (a ball, an empty bottle).
Teaching cues
- Kneel down, stay low.
- Call their name, then throw.
- Throw it next to them, not at them.
Make it easier
- Shorter throwing distance.
- Push the float along the water instead of throwing.
Make it harder
- Throw a float on a rope and pull the swimmer in.
- Longer distance.
Common faults
- Standing up to throw and overbalancing.
- Throwing at the partner's head.
Corrections
- 'Kneel like a lifeguard.'
- Aim for a spot just beside the swimmer.
Assistant / L1 role
- Supervise the throwers on poolside while the teacher watches the swimmers in the water.